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Backpackers 2

The most impressive artwork I found in Cokers was in their absolutely huge shared dining room (with about 20 tables set up!), where Christchurch’s Avon river and a Tudor building on the river bank were depicted on one wall.

Unique Quality: The kitchen was huge too, even with a walk in Fridge, and plenty of bench space and appliances. Outside the dining room, another huge surprise: a huge sitting room, with about 5 couches, 10 chairs, tv, videos, shelves of books - all the comforts of home!

Backpackers 1

The beds were rather old, the carpet a bit shabby, but all in all, considering how busy Christchurch seemed to be, we were lucky to find anything at 7 pm at night (our booking at the new Base backpackers in Cathedral Square, including our credit card details, had somehow vanished from our system, and they were fully booked and didn't bother to try and help us with an alternative)

By contrast, the staff on the desk at Cokers were very friendly and welcoming, and made the place seem more intimate than you'd expect from a huge former pub building such as this. In a room beside the check in room, there were about 4 internet terminals, cheap rates, available till quite late, and the room was filled with brochures (and the corridors with maps and brochures). Very well equipped.

Out in the corridor on our floor, I could see the building must once have been rather grand,as the high ceilings had moulded ceiling roses and other features. Different types of painted art from comic to classical adorned the walls, from floor to ceiling in some cases.

Unique Quality: The only slight drawback I'd have to say with this backpackers is that the beds in our dorm were obviously very old, and the pillows fairly ratty (maybe that's where the flea bites on my husband the next morning originated from). I was lucky to escape unscathed.

Still, we enjoyed our stay, and the owners were most kind in storing all our bags there in a locked room for the day, and for free (another plus over Base backpackers).

The owners are just new, so hopefully they will do up the dorms soon, as the place has great potential.

Directions: about 5-6 blocks along away from Cathedral Square (2 blocks further than Two Fat Indians restaurant, see Restaurant tip)

Cokers

theres loads of hostels around, some right in the city. Apart from staying at nicky and mikes(cheers guys), i stayed at Cokers hostel for a few weeks. its a huge place on manchester street, a 5/10 minute walk to the city. it has a massive kitchen, a good tv room, and dining room, good rooms, and best of all, a bar next door which stays open late and lets u get hammered!!!!!!!!!! when i left they just started doing fry ups in the morning at the hostel to help clear the hangover! i met a great crowd there and woudl put it down as one of my favourite hostels!